December 28, 2010
Don and Bernard have a new game they play.
Don puts his finger in Bernard’s mouth.
Bernard pretends Don’s finger is a bit.
Barnyard appears to enjoy this game very much.
Sometimes Bernard closes his eyes in concentration as he’s chomping at his make-believe bit.
And sometimes he even puts a big, contented smile on his face. ♥
December 23, 2010
December 20, 2010
Since Don’s Wednesday session with Nigel went for several hours, we made sure to put water and hay out to help lessen Nigel’s stress.
Just as soon as I had perched myself back up on the fence to watch Don work with Nigel, I looked over to see a familiar busybody doing his best to see what was on the other side of the fence. Notice that Fergus and Ellsworth are still eating their lunch in the background.
Bernard tried this way…
…and that… to get his little donkey lips on the water in the tub.
Don and I totally cracked up when out of desperation, Bernard stuck his tongue out in a last-ditch effort to reach the water. (Remember, you can click on any photo to embiggen it.)
Aah, finally… success. Mind you, Bernard had access to the water tub behind him the entire time.
Bernard: See Mamma?! I did it!
Ellsworth: What’cha up to, Bernard?
Bernard: Ellsworth, you’ve gotta try the water in this tub! It’s delish! I used my tongue!
Ellsworth: Well, have you tried unlatching the gate?
Bernard: No, but maybe I can move the tub over here for you…
Ellsworth: Tongue, shmongue, Bernard. Heck with this, I’m going to get a drink from our water tub.
Fergus: What’cha doin’, Bernard?
Bernard: This is the best water in the world, Fergus! You have to taste it!
Fergus: No way, Bernard. You know, I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck!
Bernard: Gee whiz, why won’t anyone believe me?
November 10, 2010
A cold front came through yesterday morning and brought rain showers along with it. When I heard the rain hitting the roof and saw the sun shining, I was hoping there would be a rainbow. I wasn’t disappointed.
The fall color of the cottonwoods created a perfect pot of gold.
But you know, I should have known better than to think I was going to capture a beautiful photo of the boys with the rainbow as a backdrop. Barnyard accosted me as soon as I set foot into the corral.
Instead, we headed into the barn, dried off the camera, and enjoyed the rainbow together. ♥
November 9, 2010
November 7, 2010
I think yesterday was one of the best days of young Bernard’s life. While his brothers were contentedly eating breakfast, Bernard wanted a part of whatever was going on as soon as Don started backing up the trailer.
It was a perfect New Mexico day as we drove to The 7MSN Ranch.
As soon as we arrived, Bernard expressed his excitement by letting out a big, loud bray. George and Alan were so excited, they floated on air.
I simply loved seeing Bernard in this environment.
After a delicious lunch on the porch – while watching the burro brothers and Bernard gallop past in single file – we all took a walk in the pasture. Bernard made himself completely at home and led the way.
George, Alan, Carson and Hank were right behind us.
And when it was time to head back to the barn, Bernard led the way once again.
At the end of the afternoon, parting was such sweet sorrow. By the time we arrived home, the sun was beginning to set as we crossed the Rio Grande, and the only thing Bernard could talk about was the next time he visits The 7MSN, Ellsworth will be along for the ride. ♥
November 6, 2010
We’re heading out on an excellent adventure with Bernard today. I’m sure the scene before we leave will go a little something like this:
Bernard: Mamma, do you have to brush my hair? I hate it!
Me: Yes, Bernard. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression, and I won’t have you looking like a vagabond when we get there.
Bernard has his first play date today. I’m so excited I can’t stand it. ♥
October 7, 2010
When you last saw Bernard, he was mulling things over.
Because he was in a playful mood, he was contemplating what to do next. The sure sign that Bernard is in a playful mood is ears pinned back.
Another sure sign is donkey stink eye.
If he makes his ears disappear completely, you can be really sure he’s in a playful mood.
Stirring up the dirt is fun.
Look at how cute his nose is… covered with dirt.
Aggravating his brothers is great fun.
Even Fergus isn’t immune to Bernard’s antics.
Neither am I.
So much fun makes a donkey boy tired. Drop and roll is an excellent relaxation technique.
So is showing the world how incredibly cute and adorable he is.
Still LOVE the curled feet.
His ten-second power nap allowed me to take an aww photo. I’m not kidding about the ten seconds.
Like any two-year old, Bernard loves to draw. I’m not kidding about this either. He loves to pick up sticks and drag them around the corral. I think this is more to hear the sound of the stick dragging on the ground… same principle as the poop rake dragging the ground.
Right about now is when Bernard paused to mull things over yesterday. After contemplating for at least 30 seconds, he turned to me to ask, “Mamma, am I cute?”
Me: Of course you are, Bernard. Everyone knows you’re the cutest ass in the universe. ♥
October 6, 2010
Bernard was mulling things over yesterday afternoon. Just look at that concentration.
If you even remotely know Barnyard, you have a guess. What do you suppose he was contemplating?
September 28, 2010
Back in June, we took the boys’ Jolly Ball away after we discovered Bernard stepping on and shredding it. Naturally, we were terrified that Bernard would eventually swallow a piece of it.
The following week, we brought home a brand new Jolly Ball for the boys. Blue Jolly Ball wound up with the same fate – in the trash can – after only one day. Just like that, Mister Bernard had shredded it.
Fast forward several weeks. Guess what happened to neon orange traffic cone? If you guessed trash can, you’re right. Poor, poor traffic cone… chewed to bits by Bernard. Note: This picture is obviously not from July of this year, but it is the cutest picture ever of Barnyard with the traffic cone. It may also be the reason Bernard felt it was necessary to shred traffic cone.
So, imagine our surprise yesterday evening when we looked out the window to see something that looked a bit like this. Really, Bernard?
Don had obviously parked the tractor too close to the corral and Bernard was sucking/chewing on the tractor tire. Really, Bernard? ♥ ♥ ♥
Note: Tractor is not in trash. Tractor was moved.
Morning Bray Farm 